Residents Advised to Avoid 1.7 km Radius Around Tangerang Landfill Fire
Tangerang Regency (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLK) has warned all residents of Tangerang Regency, Banten, to avoid activities within a 1.7-kilometre radius of the Jatiwaringin landfill fire area in Mauk.
This measure is essential to prevent the adverse effects of polluted air, which can lead to acute respiratory infections (ISPA).
“The 1.7-kilometre radius must strictly be avoided. However, the situation on the ground also depends heavily on wind direction,” said the Deputy Minister of Environment, Diaz Faisal Malik Hendropriyono, in Tangerang on Saturday.
He stated that the public should avoid the Jatiwaringin landfill area as much as possible to ensure their safety and security. However, if they are unintentionally exposed to the smoke, they must use personal protective equipment, such as masks.
In this regard, he noted that the local government has taken swift action through intensive cross-sector coordination to anticipate wind direction changes that could potentially carry hazardous air towards densely populated residential areas, particularly in the western regions covering the Rajeg and Mauk districts.
“The Regent has emphasised that residents there will be evacuated, similar to the successful evacuation process carried out in the eastern region yesterday,” he said.
“If possible, please do not stay in that area. However, if anyone is forced to stay or is currently preparing to leave, do not forget to wear masks and other personal protective equipment,” he added.
Previously, based on KLH testing, air quality has deteriorated due to high concentrations of fine particulates at the site, reaching approximately 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding the national daily standard of 55 micrograms per cubic metre.
He stated that data from the KLH air quality monitoring station during the day showed that exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) at the Jatiwaringin landfill exceeds the threshold. PM2.5 levels were recorded at 1,000, compared to the standard of 55. Meanwhile, PM10 reached 750, against an ideal standard of 75.
“There are also particulates such as SOx and NOx because the materials burning here include plastics and other items, which certainly impact health,” he said.
According to him, the air pollution arising from the Jatiwaringin landfill fire is more severe than forest and land fires (karhutla). This is because the burning waste contains biomass and methane gas.
“Regarding the impact on air quality, there is biomass, methane gas, and also plastics and other materials,” he concluded.